Mayor Conradt calls for rapid reforms after the flood disaster

Mayor Conradt calls for rapid reforms after the flood disaster

Today, June 6, 2025, marks the anniversary of the devastating Pentecost flood in Saarbrücken, which caused massive damage three years ago. The floods not only led to flooding and landslides, but also to serious building damage and human loss. This natural disaster revealed the weaknesses in dealing with extreme weather and the consequences of climate change.

A year after this accident, Mayor Uwe Conradt (CDU) takes stock and calls for a reduction in bureaucracy in disaster control. Loud S.R It often takes up to seven nature conservation applications, including numerous reports, in order to be able to implement the necessary slope protection on main roads. These circumstances hinder effective flood prevention measures and urgently require nature conservation laws to be reviewed and adapted to climate impacts.

Demand for system changes

Conradt emphasizes the responsibility of the municipalities, but points out that the federal government's support is often inadequate. Especially in the year known as the “disaster year 2024”, municipalities experienced a lack of financial and structural support. The mayor is calling for permanent and appropriate financing for population protection and climate adaptation, rather than selective aid that does not meet long-term needs.

In order not to block investments, a solution to the municipal debt problem is also necessary. The managing director of the Association of Cities and Municipalities, Stephan Spaniol, emphasizes the importance of implementing flood protection concepts in many municipalities and supports the call to reduce bureaucracy. A central concern for him is the review of all required reports to repair natural damage after flood events.

Flood risk management in North Rhine-Westphalia

Comprehensive flood risk management will be implemented in North Rhine-Westphalia by 2021, which already takes particularly damaged areas into account in several cities. How Velbert explains, flood risk management plans are drawn up that provide information about existing hazards and include coordinated measures to reduce risks to health, the environment and property.

These plans are based on analysis of statistical flood events, including 10-year, 100-year and 1,000-year scenarios. In the urban area of ​​Velbert, the Deilbach and the Hardenberger Bach are classified as risk waters, for which flood risk management plans are currently being developed.

The current challenges in flood prevention illustrate the need for a rethink in disaster protection. The effective protection of the population and infrastructure cannot be guaranteed without simplified bureaucratic structures and reliable financial resources.